Each year since 1935, The Illinois Department of The American Legion has conducted a week long learning experience into the democratic form of government, called Premier Boys State.  Illinois was the first program in the nation. Premier Boys State offers more than 350 young men who attend a session annually, an opportunity to learn first hand the inner workings of a political party, and to apply this  knowledge in actual practice. We don't guarantee that a young man who attends Premier Boys State will grow up to be successful . . . but we'll give you odds.